Ask Lemmy

It really depends. Autographs can seem very tangible, but photos are a better option IMHO, because I can show them off as "See, I was there, I didn't buy this off eBay," or something. But it really depends on what you want. IMHO? Neither appeal to me. Now, it may be because I used to run these things, and have met celebrities on and off the show floor. I see them as people in a weird profession, and feel a little... skeevy? Like I don't name drop until it's vital to the story, because I feel like I am using them. I have friends among these ranks to this day, and sometimes we hang out and shoot the shit, because they know I won't ask them for anything. And they know I won't spread gossip. Now, some people have wanted to take photos with ME, as "omg, that's the president of Katsucon Entertainment" when I was that, but it was rare. I think celebs did it more than my attendees. Maybe as a scrapbook thing for them. So there are photos out there with some of the Power Rangers, for example, that I don't have a copy of, but one of the actors has in his or her personal collection.

Embarrassment: I am in some of these people's photo albums, and I don't know who the fuck they were. Just a selfie in the green room. Because when I am at the con, I am working, not schmoozing. So the photos are probably pretty bad: just sweaty old me with a confused "uh, okay" stare in the photo.

I know with Stan Lee, and I name drop him because of the controversy of people taking advantage of him in his later years, I saw him at a Comic Con, practically being dragged to imbalance by a staff that was churning through attendees like an assembly line. This was about 4 years before his passing. He looked so old, tired, and frail. I was not working that con, I was working my table, but I just... felt so bad for him. And they were so strict about the rules. They actually walled him of with pipe and drape over 6 feet high so people couldn't snap a pic of him while in line. You got something like 15 seconds with him, he was allowed to sign one thing, one snapshot, and answer one question. Then ZAP you were ushered out of the area. I recall it was something $210 for those 15 seconds.

One guest I worked with said the Marvel booth was terrible about how long she could spend with attendees. That's why she often had her own table, to sit and chat with her fans. And some celebrities, like Mark Hamill or Patrick Stewart, are fucking pros at this. I never worked with them, but I have seen Mark, sleep deprived and exhausted, be as kind to the first person in line as the last. I feel like despite it all, he's GRATEFUL of the opportunity. I can't imagine the crazy either of them has to put up with. I saw a video where Patrick hugged an abuse survivor, and while that is amazing and kind, I bet con security just cringed in anticipation.

So whatever you pick, I guess my point is, be kind to them. They work hard, and they put up with a lot. It's such a weird and surreal experience for a human to endure as a job.